Ukraine's New President Sworn In

posted by Associated Press
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2 years ago

KIEV, Ukraine - Petro Poroshenko is calling on armed groups in eastern Ukraine to lay down their weapons.

Poroshenko took the oath of office today as Ukraine's president, assuming the leadership of a country mired in a violent uprising and economic troubles. In his inaugural address, Poroshenko promised dialogue with citizens and amnesty "for those who do not have blood on their hands."

Poroshenko, who became a billionaire as a candy tycoon, was elected on May 25, three months after the pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych fled the country in the wake of months of street protests.

In his inaugural speech, Poroshenko was expected to detail plans for ending a pro-Russian separatist uprising in the country's east that broke out after Yanukovych's ouster.